How to find NGC6871 using Cygnus

This guide uses bright stars first, then narrows the field for a telescope or binocular finder. Use Cygnus as the main sky landmark.

Follow the route from one recognizable star to the next until you reach NGC6871.

NGC6871 is 70° above the horizon toward the west.

Begin with Cygnus, then follow the reference stars toward NGC6871.

Cygnus

Recognize the characteristic star pattern of Cygnus before following the route.

Identify Sadr in or near Cygnus; the chart shows its position relative to the guide.

From Sadr, move about 4.2° toward the southwest until you reach HYG 99303.0.

From HYG 99303.0, move about 1.3° toward the southwest until you reach NGC6871. This is the target field.